Two mega centers of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) have officially begun operations in Karachi, providing round-the-clock passport services. These centers, located at Siemens Chowrangi and North Nazimabad, aim to streamline the passport application and renewal process for citizens, as reported by ARY News.
24/7 Passport Services for Citizens
Each of the two NADRA mega centers equipped with five dedicated counters for passport-related services. Among these, three counters are for processing applications, one for distributing passports, and one for granting approvals. Citizens can now conveniently visit these centers at any time to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one.
The official inauguration ceremony for these centers scheduled to take place next week, but the counters have already started serving the public.
Massive Backlog Cleared
In related developments, Director General (DG) Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi announced that the nationwide backlog of pending passports has successfully cleared. During a surprise visit to the passport production unit, he reviewed the printing and issuance processes, revealing that over 3.37 million passports have printed since July 1, 2024.
This record-breaking achievement includes:
- 776,451 passports issued under the normal category.
- 1,896,403 passports printed under the urgent category.
- 703,656 passports issued via the fast-track service.
The DG praised the tireless efforts of the production team, who worked relentlessly without breaks to ensure timely processing.
Collection of Passports Made Easier
Citizens now encouraged to collect their passports directly from regional passport offices, as the delivery process has been expedited. There is no longer a need to wait for notifications via message or email. This measure aims to ensure that applicants receive their documents without unnecessary delays.
DG Mustafa Jamal Qazi reiterated the commitment to maintaining timely passport issuance to provide maximum convenience to all applicants.
With the operational launch of 24/7 NADRA mega centers in Karachi and the resolution of passport backlogs nationwide, the government has taken significant steps toward enhancing public service delivery. These efforts will undoubtedly provide relief and convenience to passport applicants across Pakistan.